Dining out fears

Ok guys, we are going out with my friends to Olive Garden on Saturday evening to celebrate their anniversary. I am afraid of making bad food choices. I need some suggestions from you on what I can eat without sabotaging myself. I guess I am safe with salad? At least I can eat enough of that to make me feel normal. I know the pasta will be calling my name though. Give me some ideas please. I dread this outing worse than anything I have done since surgery. Thanks, Valorie

I used to stress about it too ... I find I do better sometimes - Plan ahead and enjoy yourself! Don't Stress - YOU will do fine! I'd do the salad - go to www.oliviegarden.com and chosse ahead of time. I'd chose one of these eat the protein ...taste a bit or two of the pasta ...and tah-dah Chicken Scampi Chicken breast tenderloins sautéed with bell peppers, roasted garlic and onions in a garlic cream sauce over angel hair. Shrimp Primavera Shrimp, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms in a bold arrabbiata sauce over penne. Grilled Shrimp Caprese Grilled marinated shrimp served over angel hair pasta with melted mozzarella, fresh basil and tomatoes in a garlic-butter sauce. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Oven-baked delicate white fish crusted with parmesan cheese. Served with Italian vegetables over angel hair tossed in a light garlic-butter sauce. Herb-Grilled Salmon Salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with seasoned broccoli. enjoy your night out! hugs, Britt

Hi, i have not been on the november only to lurk. I am on the mens form the most, but to get to the subject i seen on the mens form a web site that is just great. The web site is ( www.dietfacts.com/fastfood.asp) just through i would help. By the way i had my rny on nov 14th 2006 and i am down 152 lbs and have about 200 lbs to go, I started at 571.2. till next time bob

Valorie, I've had the Talapia there and it was good. Just make sure the breadsticks are on the other side of the table!! Actually, I think I've been there twice since surgery and was able to resist even tasting the breadsticks!! There's always the soup and salad too! Have fun!

Thanks guys, Britt, those menu options are great and they have my mouth watering already. CeCe I think the Tilapia sounds great. I told my DH to make sure the breadsticks are not in my reach. LOL Bob, I appreciate the web site and I bet others on the board will too. Join us anytime. WTG on the weight loss! You are really doing great. I still have at least 75 lbs to go myself. I have decided not to stress it. I am just gonna go out and have fun with my friends. Thanks again, Valorie

Well I made it through! I had the Talapia as CeCe suggested and I asked for whole wheat pasta. It was fabulous! At least the 5 bites I took of it anyway. Yep, I ate a small portion of salad, did not touch the breadsticks, 4 bites of the fish and 1 bite of pasta. I was stuffed. I guess my pouch doesn't hold as much as I thought. I really should have just eaten a few bites from my hubbies plate and saved the $14 dollars. At least my daughter in law appreciated the leftovers. She thought she was in heaven when I gave her the plate. Anyway, we had a blast! Olive Garden then we all went dancing. A wonderful evening for all. Thanks again for all the support. Hugs, Valorie

Good job Valorie :0)

Great job!! I think it feels so great to go out and join in the celebration and still be able to eat like a normal person just a lot less. Deb

Sounds like you did great! I love their Chicken Marsala. And you can always ask for extra veggies instead of the pasta or potato. They are real accommodating. I love their salad too. I ALWAYS have leftovers. And it's so good the second day too! Congrats on getting through it so well.

Im glad I read this post, Im having a mini reunion tonight with some classmates and we are going to olive garden. I have been a few times since surgery but I didnt know they offered whole wheat pasta!! Im going to ask for that when I order my grilled steak caprese. It is sooo yummy. Oh my I cant wait for tonight!!!